Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 9 September 2024
1965. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if, according to all education and training boards and SOLAS, the education and training boards and SOLAS have proposed steps to ensure that Irish speakers in their areas are provided with further education and adult education courses through Irish. [34137/24]
View answerOfficials in my Department have engaged with SOLAS and ETBI in relation to your question. They have confirmed that some unaccredited Irish classes are provided through Community Education provision, with the express purpose of encouraging and supporting learners to develop their basic conversational skills, connect with other interested Irish speakers in their community and to assist parents in helping their children who are learning Irish in schools.
Irish language classes are also offered across a variety of levels on a sessional, part time and evening class basis. As apt to the needs of the learner, some provision can lead toward preparation for accredited QQI modules from NFQ Level 3 upwards.
Several Education and Training Boards (ETBs), particularly those with Gaeltacht areas, participate in the Breacadh Scheme, which develops high-quality teaching and learning resources in Irish to support further education and training services in the Gaeltacht. Breacadh assists the ETBs by producing books, adult learning materials, and other resources through Irish, and by providing support with tutor training and curriculum development.
I am sure the Deputy will welcome this pioneering collaboration, whereby Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB) have joined forces with Gaelchultúr to offer a Certificate in Professional Irish course. This innovative part-time programme, delivered through the Skills to Advance initiative, caters to professionals aspiring to attain an official language qualification for career progression. The goal of this course is to give the participants confidence and language skills that will enable them to communicate through Irish in the context of work and socially.
